Asturias is another of Spain's lesser known provinces. Situated to the east of Galicia, and bordered by Castilla y Leon to the south and Cantabria to the east, it has a different feel to much of Northern Spain. Asturias has no counties and is in fact, an ancient kingdom. During the 14th century it became a principality. The heir to the throne automatically taking the title of Prince of Asturias.Asturias is home to Spain's mining and steel industry, although this has been dwindling in recent years. It is also famed for it's cheeses and cider. Despite it's industrial status, Asturias is still very much a rural region. It's coastline is also known as La Costa Verde or The Green Coast. It also boasts some of Spain's best natural parks. Picos de Europa is an outstanding National Park which straddles Asturias and its neighbour Cantabria. Asturias is a pre-historical area boasting plenty of caves which are home to some excellent stone-age cave paintings. It also has a Celtic legacy and here too you will here the sound of the bagpipe or gaita.
With its fantastic coastline and its mountainous landscape it is home to a huge variety of sporting activities. Sailing, windsurfing and fishing are very popular. Head towards the south west and here you will find rugged hills and mountains which are a rock climber and hiker's paradise. Watch out for the wild bears though!
Asturias and it's people are a bit rough-edged, tough and proud but it is also one of the friendliest regions of Spain. You will hear regular Spanish or Castellano spoken, but they also have their own language called Bable. It very nearly died out completely and it was only recently, in the late 1980s, that great efforts were made to ensure its survival. Today it is being championed by a new generation of Asturian writers and is steadily being spoken by more of its locals.
Asturias can be reached by air to its only regional airport, situated some 9 miles outside Aviles. EasyJet will fly you there from London Stansted. There are good road links and it's minor roads are generally good but can be a bit slow and winding. The RENFE rail network serves Asturias well with main stops in Oviedo and Gijon. The privately owned FEVE network runs all along Spain's scenic northern coast.
No matter where in Asturias you decide to visit you will be guaranteed a warm welcome and the neverending sound of cider corks popping everywhere.
